The inauguration of the first Viet Nam International Food Industry Exhibition at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in HCM City on May 13. — VNS Photo Xuan Huong

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Farm produce, processed foods, beverages, and food processing and packaging technologies are on display at the first Viet Nam International Food Industry Exhibition (Vietnam Foodexpo 2015) that opened in HCM City on May 13.

Vietnam Foodexpo 2015 is the largest of its kind in the country and has more than 500 booths set up by over 300 exhibitors from Viet Nam and 19 other countries and territories, including India, Belgium, Cuba, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said Viet Nams food industry had huge potential to develop.

With its diverse, quality products, the industry not only met local needs but also exported to many countries around the world, he said, adding that Viet Nam also ranked among the worlds top exporters of many agricultural products.

Visitors check out products from An Giang Province.— VNS Photo Xuan Huong

The event was organised by his ministry in collaboration with relevant ministries, localities, associations, and businesses to enhance trade promotion, he said.

It would feature many activities aimed at promoting trade between Vietnamese and international businesses, including a Korean market access seminar for Vietnamese agricultural products.

The event - which has the theme "At the heart of Asias food inspiration" - was expected to be an efficient tool for Vietnamese firms to influence consumer perceptions towards food products of Vietnamese origin, he said.

Vu Van Tu, director of the Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre of Lam Dong Province, said being the countrys biggest producer of many agricultural goods, the province hoped to introduce to investors, businesses and consumers its most competitive products at the exhibition.

Its products like artichoke, fruits and vegetables, tea, coffee, and wines all met GlobalGap and VietGap standards, ensuring hygiene and food safety, he said.

The exhibition, on the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, will go on until May 16. — VNS